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Sagittal Spinopelvic Alignment and Mobility Are Not Associated With Low Back Pain in Healthcare Workers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to repetitive physical demands and suboptimal postures, which may affect spinopelvic alignment and mobility. However, it remains unclear whether these parameters differ among healthcare occupations and how they relate to low back pain (LBP). Methodology This single-center, cross-sectional study included 169 healthcare workers. Spinopelvic alignment and mobility were assessed using functional lateral radiographs in four postures. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index, the Oxford Hip Score, and the Numerical Rating Scale for LBP and hip pain. Spinopelvic alignment and mobility were analyzed by occupation, and factors related to disability due to LBP were examined. Results LBP was present in 38% and hip pain in 11% of participants, with higher LBP prevalence among nurses and nursing assistants compared to other healthcare workers. Significant differences were observed only in pelvic-femoral angle (p < 0.01) and hip angle (p < 0.05) in a relaxed-seated position across occupations, but after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), LBP, and hip pain, no significant differences were found in spinopelvic alignment and mobility among occupations. Age and BMI as independent factors were associated with LBP-related disability (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusions Healthcare workers in nursing-related professions show a higher prevalence of LBP than those in other healthcare occupations. This LBP was not related to spinopelvic malalignment or mobility restrictions that could be detected through radiographic evaluation. Regular health checkups to identify staff with LBP or hip pain, even in the absence of organic disease, may help establish preventive strategies for reducing LBP and improving health literacy.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97778

Authors: Hiroyuki Tokuyasu, Mitsuru Takemoto, Claudio Vergari, Hiroshi Kanoe, Youngwoo Kim

Institutions: Kyoto City Hospital, Arts et Métiers, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416656697